Treatment for Sagging Jowls

There are many signs of aging that begin to affect the face as patients reach their 40s and beyond. Perhaps one of the most frustrating is the development of sagging jowls. The jowls, which refer to the lower part of the cheeks, can begin to droop with age, causing the jaw line to appear less defined. At the Clinic of Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Sherris offers non-surgical and facial plastic surgery procedures to tighten and smooth the skin, thereby minimizing the appearance of jowls. To learn more about your treatment options for sagging jowls, contact our Buffalo, NY practice today.

Face Lift Surgery

As a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. David Sherris is trained and experienced in various face lift techniques. To address sagging jowls, Dr. Sherris may perform a:

• Mini face lift: Mini face lift surgery is appropriate for patients with mild drooping of the jowls. During surgery, Dr. Sherris will address isolated problem areas, typically along the jaw line or cheeks. This surgery involves manipulation of the facial tissues, but results in a shorter recovery time and less severe side effects when compared to other face lift techniques.
• Traditional face lift: The traditional face lift is best suited to patients with moderate sagging of the jowls. During this procedure, the lower third of the face is addressed by tightening the tissues and muscles that are closest to the skin.
• Deep plane face lift: The deep plane face lift is performed on patients with severe drooping in the jowl area. In this approach, the entire SMAS layer (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) is adjusted to smooth wrinkles and tighten the skin. This technique offers the most comprehensive and dramatic results.

Liposuction

Liposuction may performed, on its own or in combination with a face lift technique, to remove excess fat from the jowls. During your consultation, Dr. Sherris will examine the jowls to determine if an excess of fatty tissue is contributing to their large and drooping appearance. If this is the case, liposuction may be performed to remove the fat. During liposuction, a special suctioning tool called a cannula is used to extract fat from specific areas of the face or body. After the fat is removed from the jowls, face lift surgery can be performed to lift and tighten the skin.

Dermal Fillers

Often, a loss of fatty tissue and collagen in the face can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and creases, along with heavy jowls. If this is the case, Dr. Sherris may recommend the use of dermal fillers to add volume so the skin appears fuller and more youthful and to fill in specific wrinkles.

Ultimately, the appropriate course of treatment depends on the patient’s facial anatomy and cosmetic goals. The use of facelift surgery and liposuction results in long-term results, and these treatments can address mild to severe drooping. Dermal fillers are best suited to mild cases, and the results are limited to about a year depending on the dermal filler. Dermal fillers cannot provide a surgical result but may allow some additional time before moving forward with a surgery.

To find out which treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sherris. Contact our practice to schedule your appointment.